Soldiers honoured for acts of bravery (From This is Hampshire)

Soldiers honoured for acts of bravery

10:41am Thursday 13th March 2008 in News By Steve Dancey

MORE than 40 operational honours have been handed out to soldiers based around Salisbury Plain in the latest round of awards.

Two members of 4th Battalion The Rifles who were killed in June last year while serving in Iraq - Major Paul Harding, aged 49, and Corporal Rodney Wilson, aged 30 - have been Mentioned in Despatches.

Sixteen personnel were Mentioned in Despatches, four were awarded the Queen's Commen-dation for Bravery and six were awarded the Queen's Commen-dation for Valuable Service.

The 12 Mechanised Brigade served in Afghanistan from March to September 2007 and 1 Mechanised Brigade served in Iraq from May to October 2007.

Included in the list was: l Lance Corporal Donald Peter Campbell, 26 Engineer Regiment based in Ludgershall - Conspicuous Gallantry Cross for service in Afghanistan.

His citation reads: "Campbell is awarded for his incredible act of pre-meditated bravery.

"Intentionally driving an unprotected piece of large plant machinery into an enemy killing zone, whilst under very intense accurate fire for a considerable amount of time he carefully placed a fascine into a ditch enabling an armoured advance."

l Lieutenant Colonel Robert Charles Fram, CO of 6 Battalion REME based in Tidworth - Military Cross for service in Iraq.

His citation reads: "In contact with the enemy daily and in an isolated and detached location, Lt Col Fram led his team of 70 men with great bravery and determination. De-spite the loss of a trusted friend and advisor and eight injured soldiers he did not once flinch from his task."

l Rifleman Mark David Lunn, 4 Rifles based in Tidworth - Military Cross for service in Iraq.

His citation reads: "During the heaviest battle in Basra since 2003 Lunn was wounded by a round in his leg. Despite being ordered to the temporary aid post to receive first aid he soon reappeared to join his section. He was re-ordered back but returned again and again determined to help in any way he could. Lunn showed remarkable fighting spirit, courage and devotion to duty."

l WO2 Rodney Alan Poulter, 4 Rifles based in Tidworth - Military Cross for service in Iraq.

His citation reads: "In two incidents when improvised explosive devices struck his vehicles WO2 Poulter displayed selfless courage, presence of mind and steadiness under fire of the very highest order. He repeatedly and deliberately placed himself in extreme peril to save his men."

l Corporal Richard Pask, 2 Royal Welsh based in Tidworth - Military Cross for service in Iraq.

His citation reads: "Following an attack from an improvised explosive device against his vehicle Cpl Pask was concussed, nauseous and bleeding badly from his head. With the option to withdraw, Cpl Pask continued his exemplary leadership for a further six hours. His selfless actions helped the vulnerable convoy reach its destination unscathed."

l Major Stephen Webb 2 Royal Welsh based in Tidworth - Military Cross for service in Iraq.

His citation reads: "Maj Webb had been exposed to enemy fire almost daily with two vehicles destroyed under him by improvised explosive devices. B Company had a casualty rate of almost 15 per cent, including three dead, but under his leadership morale was sky high. He displayed selfless courage, conspicuous gallantry and inspiring leadership of the very highest order."

An MBE were also awarded to Staff Sergeant Edward Palmer of 26 Engineer Regiment for service in Afghanistan.